Free Music Updates

Announcement List

The following questions and answers are designed to address the majority of the requests that are sent to us via the contact form. Newcomers are encouraged to read a beginner’s guide to Ektoplazm to find out more about the history of the site.

How do I download music from this site?

Visit the free music section and click on any of the green “MP3 Download,” “FLAC Download, or “WAV Download” links to begin downloading. If you have any problems try right-clicking and selecting “Save As…” (or the equivalent on your operating system).

What do I do with the files I have downloaded?

All of our releases are packaged in ZIP or RAR archives. Once you download these files you will need to extract the contents. You should have no trouble with the ZIP format as the necessary software is native to most operating systems—but if you encounter difficulties, Google is your friend. You may need to install software to open RAR files; try out WinRAR, 7-Zip, ExtractNow, SimplyRAR (for OS X), or Unrar (for Unix-based systems).

Inside each package you will find audio files (MP3, FLAC, or WAV), cover images, info files, relevant links, and other such things. You should be able to play MP3 and WAV files without any extra effort but you may need to download software or drivers from the FLAC homepage to play FLAC files.

Is the music on this site legal to download?

Yes, absolutely! The releases featured in the free music section have been gathered from a variety of content providers, all of whom have explicitly granted permission for people to download and share their work. Most releases featured here are licensed under the Creative Commons while others are simply posted “as is” and are for promotional use only. Check the details on each individual posting. All releases are readily available for DJ use in sets and mixes but other uses (film, advertising, commercial licensing) are almost always restricted. Contact the owner(s) of the work in question when in doubt.

If you have reason to believe that any content on this web site qualifies as copyright infringement, please contact us.

How can I support Ektoplazm?

Like what we are doing? We really appreciate donations to support the cause. Hosting expenses for the amount of bandwidth and storage we use ain’t cheap; every little bit counts!

If you’re short on cash there are numerous other ways you can get involved: tell your friends, share links to releases you like on social networks, write comments and reviews, and send feedback to individual artists to show you appreciate their work.

How can I advertise on Ektoplazm?

Can I play the music from this site on my radio show?

Radio play is almost certainly welcome by all. Check to see if a release has a licence attached to it; most specify that any noncommercial usage is fine as long as credit is given. Help yourself to the free releases and mixes provided on the site and let your listeners know about Ektoplazm if you like the site.

Now and then we receive requests to provide exclusive material for radio shows. Such offers are appreciated but we are far too busy to whip together a set on demand.

Can I use the music from this site in my video project?

Small-scale non-commercial projects that abide by the terms of the licence attached to a release are totally fine. If your video project is commercial (i.e. you will be making money from it) then you will need to contact the original owner(s) of the work for authorization.

How can I get a picture next to my name in the comments?

Sign up for Gravatar using the same email address you leave comments with.

Who designed this web site?

Ektoplazm is designed and maintained by Basilisk and powered by a heavily customized version of WordPress. The current iteration of the site has been online since 2005, but Ektoplazm originally went online in 2001.

Still Need Help?

Was your question not answered here? Use the contact form to send us a message!